Having a steady job and income is something most people strive for their entire lives. Working hard to earn enough money to support your lifestyle, family and friends can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be stressful. Finding yourself unhappy with your current career path may leave you feeling lost and without direction. If you’re considering a career change, here are some tips to help you get started.
Research Your Options
The first step in making a career change is to do your research. This means investigating all of your available options and narrowing them down to a few that interest you the most. The internet is a great resource for finding information on various careers, so start by doing some online searches. Different online courses, study materials, and online practice tests are also readily available to help you get familiar with the material and concepts that are commonly covered in exams. It will give you more of an idea of what it takes to make the change and decide if you are ready or not.
For instance, if you are interested in pursuing a career in law, you can find free literature and study modules for the LSAT easily on various websites. On the other hand, if you want to get into real estate, you can get a real estate salesperson practice exam free online and get an idea of what type of questions you would be asked before actually sitting for the real exam. This will help you see if the career you are interested in is a good fit for you.
Decide If A Career Change Is Right For You
Going back to school or getting another degree can be expensive, so it’s important before you even consider doing so that the career change is right for you. If you are just unhappy with your job and have high expectations of what a new career path should offer without being aware of the time commitment involved, then you might want to re-evaluate your expectations first. Another factor to consider is if you have the right experience for a particular job, as many of them require previous work experience before someone can qualify for them.
If you’re currently working on a degree that might benefit from a career change, then that’s even better because you’ll already have some relevant coursework under your belt that will help you get into the field. Just be sure to do your research and find out if the field requires additional training or education so you don’t waste time and money pursuing something not needed.
Consider Your Skills And Interests
Knowing what you are good at and enjoy doing is the best way to find a career that will make you happy. It can even be something totally out of the left-field, but still sharing some of the same skills as your current career. By looking at all sides, you will be able to see how to transition into something that interests you more. For example, if you are an accountant, then maybe teaching accounting would interest you more because it allows you to share your expertise with others while still gaining job satisfaction. This is one path that requires additional study and training but might provide the results you need to be successful.
Also, don’t be discouraged if your new career involves working for someone else, as many people feel there is more job security in this than being self-employed. But just because you plan on getting a regular 9-5 does not mean you cannot own your own business within that career field. It is always an option to start your firm or company once you have gained enough experience and expertise in the industry.
Start Planning and Preparation Early
One of the main reasons people don’t end up making a career change is because they don’t start planning early enough. The earlier you start, the more time you have to save up money, get the required education or training, and network with people in the industry. It can also be helpful to read books or articles related to the field you’re interested in and attend industry conferences whenever possible.
Many companies also offer internships for college students or recent graduates, so if you’re still in school or just about to graduate, look for opportunities like these. Talk to people already in the field and see if they can provide you with any contacts or advice. If you do decide on going back to school, then remember that some schools offer scholarships or other forms of financial aid depending on your situation. Many community colleges are less expensive than private institutions and will allow you to test out a new career before committing full-time.
Talk To The People Around You
Not to put any suggestions in their heads, but your friends can be a great resource for finding out if they know someone who is looking for someone with your experience and qualifications. This is the same as networking, but chances are you already know these people and can trust them to be honest with what they say about you.
Talking to your employer might also be a great option. They might have suggestions or know of other positions within the company that would be a better fit for you. Plus, if you have a good relationship with them, they might be willing to help you out with the transition by giving you time off to attend a school or finding a temporary position for you until you’re ready to start your new career. However, don’t be offended if your boss or colleagues suggest that maybe it’s time for a career change because they care about you and want you to be happy in your work.
Remember that even though this is a major life transition, it doesn’t mean it has to be done alone. Talk to your family members and friends about your decision, and if you feel comfortable with it, seek out a career counselor in your area. This way you have plenty of people to encourage you and help you along the way. And with the right people and enough planning and preparation, your new career path can be everything you imagined and more.